Jonny Holtzman
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Jonny Holtzman has been involved in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. As a professional vocalist and vibist, he led a 10-piece Jazz Band, called the Widespread Depression Orchestra (WDO), and later formed a sextet called Jonny Holtzman and his Swingbeans.
During that time he was crowned the name "the Bronx Nightingale", due to his fabulous baritone voice and his heritage growing up in the Bronx Eastchester Projects.
He recorded 5 albums during that period (1975-1982). Four with The WDO, and one with his sextet.
Downtown Uproar Boogie In The Barnyard Time to Jump and Shout Rockin' in Rhythm Let's Do It
His proudest moments include:
He stopped performing in 1985 and built a business partnering with TV and Film art departments, helping them achieve the visions they had for their set designs.
In 2009, he began developing a TV series concept that bridges the gap between fictional drama and live performances from established and emerging musicians. The series, called "Nightingale's", is set in a small music club based n New York City's West Village, based on two iconic clubs - The Village Gate, and The Bitter End.
During that time he was crowned the name "the Bronx Nightingale", due to his fabulous baritone voice and his heritage growing up in the Bronx Eastchester Projects.
He recorded 5 albums during that period (1975-1982). Four with The WDO, and one with his sextet.
Downtown Uproar Boogie In The Barnyard Time to Jump and Shout Rockin' in Rhythm Let's Do It
His proudest moments include:
- Being invited by Count Basie to sing a number with his band at a gig they both performed at.
- Having the infamous producer, John Hammond Sr., attend the recording session and writing the liner notes for his solo album.
- Sharing the stage with Muddy Waters, Bruce Springsteen, Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett,Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Rich, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Joe Williams, Milt Jackson. David Bromberg, and yes - The Village People.
- Perfoming at The Newport Jazz Festival in NYC, Wolftrap Jazz Festival in Virginia , the Saratoga Jazz Festival in NY, Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center - NYC, as well as The Village Gate and The Bitter End in the West Village, NYC.
He stopped performing in 1985 and built a business partnering with TV and Film art departments, helping them achieve the visions they had for their set designs.
In 2009, he began developing a TV series concept that bridges the gap between fictional drama and live performances from established and emerging musicians. The series, called "Nightingale's", is set in a small music club based n New York City's West Village, based on two iconic clubs - The Village Gate, and The Bitter End.